11 Air Conditioning Mistakes That Spike Your Bills

Always use an air conditioner that’s correctly sized for your home. An oversize unit may cycle on and off too quickly, making it ineffective at removing humidity and maintaining uniform temperatures. On the other hand, a too-small unit will need to run constantly, which will drastically shorten its lifespan. Determine your needed cooling capacity by doing a load calculation, taking into account each room’s square footage, layout, insulation, function, and typical occupancy. To learn more, download this worksheet from the Energy Star website, or consult an air-conditioning contractor.

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Although air conditioners aren’t the most attractive items in a landscape, homeowners shouldn’t try to “hide” their unit in an inopportune spot. The location of an air conditioner has a big impact on its energy efficiency. Try installing it in a shady spot on the east or north side of your house, because too much direct sunlight will make the system work harder. Additionally, don’t place concealing shrubs or plants too close to the unit, as these will impede ventilation and may clog the condenser coils.

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Inside your home, make sure the thermostat and vents are properly positioned. Placing the thermostat in direct sunlight or near heat-producing lights and appliances gives an inaccurate reading, causing the air conditioner to work overtime. Also, blocking interior vents with furniture or curtains may inhibit proper air circulation.

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Open doors and windows invite humidity inside your home and let chilled air escape. Your air conditioner must then work extra hard to compensate, wasting vast amounts of energy along the way. Always keep doors and windows closed when the AC is running. 

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Clean or replace air filters every month during the cooling season, and more frequently if the filter seems excessively clogged with dust and debris. A clean filter significantly improves an air conditioner’s efficiency, lowering your energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. On central air conditioners, filters are typically located on the return ducts in walls or ceilings. Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the front-facing grille, while ductless mini-splits store their reusable filter in a removable panel. Consult your owner’s manual for exact instructions on changing the air filter.

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Some problems with air-conditioning systems, such as refrigerant leaks, can be diagnosed and repaired only by a qualified HVAC technician. Have a professional give your system an inspection and tune-up on a regular basis. Remember: A routine service call is most likely going to be far cheaper than an emergency repair!

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